Drying machine



E. J. CARROLL I DRYING MACHINE Filed Oct.

Feb. 9 19 26.

13, 1925 '7 sheets sheet l R m m. m om Feb. 9 1926.

E. J. CARROLL DRYING MACHINE Filed Oct.

13, 1925 '7 Sheets-finest 5 v *6 I A TTORNE Y5 INVENTOR.

NMY

Feb. 9 1926.

- E, J. CARROLL DRYING MACHINE Filed Oct. 13, 1923 '7 Sheets- S 1 eet 4 Feb. 9 1926. 1,572,183 7 E. J. CARROLL DRYING MACHINE Filed Oct. 15, 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR By I /4// 17 10651111 ATTORNEY-S Feb. 9 1926.

7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENT'OR DRYING MACHINE Filed Oct.

E. J. CARROLL Patented Feb. 9, 192.6.

oFF c-E.

GHINERY COMPANY, OLE-CINCINNATI, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO;

DRYING MACHINE.

Application filed October 13, 1923. Serial No. 668,353. 7

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EMIL J. CARROLL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Norwood, in the county of Hamilton and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Drying Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in drying apparatus for use in laundries.

which are conveyed endwise along rotating This invention relates particularly to that type of drying apparatus in which the materials are enclosed in separate containers,

I inclined members, through a heating chamher. This type of apparatus is illustrated, for instance, in the copending application of Kraft, Serial No. 448,288, filed February 28, 1921.

The objects of this invention are to pro- .vide an improved means for mounting and containers through the outlet of the heating chamber; to provide means forautomatically emptying the materials from the containers 'after being discharged from the drying .chamber; and to provide means for automatically returning the empty containers from the outlet end of the apparatus tothe inlet end. Further objects of the invention willbe apparent from the following description and claims when considered in connection with the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of thefinlet or feed section of the apparatus together with part of an intermediate drying section; Fig. 2i's a side elevation, with parts broken away,

showin an intermediate dr in section'.

Fig; 3 1s a sectional view taken on line 3 3 ofFig. '2; Fig. 4 shows in side elevation the discharge or outlet section of the apparatus together with part ofione of the intermediate drying sections; Fig." 5 is a detail: view of the automatic means toricontrollingthe operation of the outlet door and part of the electric control mechanism; Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view of the discharge or outlet end of the apparatus; Fig. 7 is a detail view in elevation, with part broken away,

7 ,512,1 UNITED-STATES PATE EMIL J. CARROLL, or noawoon, onro, Assmnoa TO *r'nn nmnmcnn LAUNDRY MA- showing the means for manipulating the turret at the inlet end of the apparatus; Fig. 8. is a transverse sectional view 'ofthe inlet end ofthe apparatusshowingthe automatic control means for the inlet door; Fig;

9 is an end view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of the inlet end of the apparatus; Fig. 10 illustrates in endelevation the automatic means for emptying'the containers; Fig. 11 is another detail View of the same mechanism; Figs. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate diagrammatically the several positions of the automatic emptying mechanism; Fig. 15 is a partial View of the means for discharging the containers from the drying chamber through the out-let;

gram of the electric control system; Fig. 18 illustrates in plan view part of the electrical arrangement for the automatic. emptying mechanism; F igs. 19, 20 and 21 are detail views of the latch mechanism for the con-' tainer door; and Fig. 22 is a detail view on line 2222 of Fig. 18 showing-the switch contact. p

The drying chamber in the present case consists of several separate sections which are secured together by means of tie bolts and including an inlet or feed section illustrated in Fig. 1 and a discharge orv outlet section illustrated in Fig. 4. An intermediate section, of which there may be any numb-er desired, is illustrated in Fig. '2. These sections when connected together end to end constitute. an enclosed chamber through which the containers may be con: veyed and subjected to the influence of heated air for the purpose of drying the materials within the containers. These containers which are in the form ofcylindrical baskets 1 are introduced through the inlet door 2 and are received upon the rotatable inclined tubular members 3 which are suitably mounted upon bearings at the two ends of the apparatus. constructed of metallic gauze so as to per- Fig. 16 is a de-- tail view of the automatic switch mechanism for the outlet door motor; Fig. 17 is a dia- These containers 1 are mit the passage of air therethrough and are provided with reinforcing bands 4 at their two ends. The rotatable members 3 are here shown as being mounted in the bearings 5 and 6 at the ends and in the intermediate bearings 3 on the brackets 3 These brackets are provided on the side walls of the drying chamber near the points of connection of the drying sections. The members 3 are operated through the gears 7 which are driven by the intermediate gear 8, which in turn is driven by the larger gear 9. This larger gear is in turn driven by the electric motor 10 through the intermediate pinion 9 which meshes with the larger gear 9. By combining together a number of sections in making up the drying chamber it is possible to conduct the containers through the apparatus at a greater speed than would otherwise be possible. The rate of rotation of members 3 can howeyer, be regulated to best suit the conditions.

The containers are conveyed along the tubular members by means of rollers 11 which are suitably mounted at proper in tervals upon-the endless sprocket chain 12 which extends about the sprockets 13 and 14. The sprocket 13 runs idly and is suitably mounted in slidably mounted bracket members provided with the arms 15 through which extend the rods 16. These rods extend through screw-threaded bushings 17 which engage in the bracket arms 15 and by means of the nuts 18 the tension of the springs sired. The other ends of the rods 16 extend through the'brackets 5 and have a bearing engagement therewith by means of the nuts 20. Thus it will be seen that the sprocket chain is maintained in proper taut condition. The sprocket 14 is fixedly mounted upon the shaft 21 which is suitably mounted in the frame of the apparatus and is driven through a gear combination from the elec tric motor 22. This gear combination comprises the main gear 23 which is fast upon the stub shaft 24 and which is driven by a worm drive connection from the shaft 25 of the motor 22. The pinion 26 is fast upon 7 the shaft 24 and has driving relation with the combination gear which comprises the members 27. and 28 and which 18 freely mounted upon the shaft 21. The smaller member 28 meshes with the larger gear 29 which with the smaller pinion 30, constitutes a compound gear freely mounted upon the stub shaft 24. The pinion 30 has driving relation with the gear 31 which is fixed upon the shaft 21.

The door 2 is normally opened by means of the weight 32 suspended from the cords or cables 33 extending about the rollers 34 and connected at their other ends to the door 2. This door, however, is secured in locked position by means of the spring latch 19 can be regulated as may be de-' 35 which engages over the companion member 36 secured upon the inner face of the door. The latch member 35 is under the influence of the coil spring 37 which has abutment at one end against the collar 38 secured upon the rod of the latch member 35 and abut-s at its other end against the fixed stop 39 which is suitably mounted inthe frame of the apparatus and through which the rod of the latch 35 extends. The other end of the latch rod is adapted for engagement by the toe 40 of the bell crank lever which is pivotally mounted at 41 andwhose other arm extends in the path of the rollers 11 so as to be operated thereby for releasing the latch 35 and permitting the door to open. In order to insure gradual opening of the door 2 the tapering strips 42 are provided upon the outer face thereof so as to engage the inner ends of the spring controlled pins or buttons 43 which are suitably mounted in sockets on the frame of the apparatus. Thus it will be seen that as the door rises under the influence of the weight the pressure of the buttons against the strips 42 will gradually increase so as to prevent sudden opening of the door. The springcontrollcd pins 44 are adapted to be engaged by the latch members 36 and constitute a shock absorbing means limiting the upper movement of the door. The springs which are associated with the pins 44 are indicated at 45, this stop means being mounted in the brackets 46 on the top wall of the feed section. As a means of properly positioning the containers upon the tubular members 30 as they are received in the feed section, I have provided the arms 47 which are pivotally mounted at the point 48 upon depending brackets 49, the horizontally extending portions of these arms projecting into the path of the spring-controlled pins 50 which are suitably mounted in the brackets 51 on the top of the feed section. The springs for these pins are indicated by reference nuineral 52. The arms 47 are suitably curved according to the diameter of the cylindrical containers and are adapted to act as a cushioning means for engaging and properly seating the containers upon 'the rotatable members 3 as they are placed in the feed section.

Each drying section of the apparatus is provided with substantially the same means and mechanism for supplying and circulating heated air therethrough so as to dry the materials in the containers. The steam coils 53 which may be mounted upon a truck 54 and detachably connected with the supply main are supported upon the bottom wall 55 of the heating chamber, the rollers on the truck resting directly above the angle members 56 which extend beneath the floor 55. Access to the heating coils may be had through the door 57 which may be removto regulate the amount of fresh air-which- 1S permitted to enter the heating chamber. The air is forced through the heating chamber by means of the fan 59 which is mounted upon the top of the apparatus and which has communication with the drying chamber through the pipe 60. This pipe is enlargedwithin the drying-chamber so as to take the form illustrated by reference numeral 61 and is provided at its bottom with the metallic screen 62'extending there-across. The fan 59 has communication also through the pipe 63 with the lower chamber 64 in which there is provided a de-linting screen 65" and which communicates through 66 with the heating chamber. Thefans 59 of the several heating sections are operated by means of the electric motor 66 through suitable belt' and pulleyconnections 67 as clearly illustrated in the drawings. The

moisture-laden air is discharged by centrifugal action through the outlet 59 in each case. The screened closure members 68 are provided for the entrance of the fresh air which is regulated in its admission to the drying chamber by -means of thedamper 58, and fresh cold air is drawn through the screened opening 68 inthe discharge sec tion by means of thefan of the next adjacentdrying section. In this way the containers are sufficiently cooled to-permit handling .by the operator, I The windows 69 are provided for'the several sections of the heat ng chamber so as to permit observation of the containers as they are conveyed through the heating chamber.

By "operation of the apparatus thus fa described it will be seen that the series of containers which contain separate batches of materials to be dried will be conveyed fromthe inlet to the outlet end of the. apparatus. The outlet is closed by means of the door 70 which is adapted to be. raised by means of the counter weights 71 through the cord connections 72 whch extend aboutthe idlers 73. This door, like the inlet door, provided also with cushioning or f stop means for preventing sudden jarring upon opening of the same, such means being indicated in a general way by reference numeral 74. Upon the outer face of the door 7 0 there is provided'the rack 75 adapted for engagement by the pinion 76 which in-turn is adapted for clutching en gagement with the shaft 77, this shaft being driven through the gear connection 78 from the electric motor 79. The clutch connection 80 just referred to is operated through the lever connection 81 which in turn is actuated by the solenoid 82. The motor 79 through the connections just now described adapted to close the door 70, the automatic the opening "the worm 95 and the gear 95 I member 96 which, through the crank conneccontrol of'thismechanism being described below. The door 7 0xis maintained in closed 186 and 87 with one end of the lever arm 88 which is pivotally mounted upon the bracket 89 which bracket is suitably supported within the frame of the apparatus and which affords support also for the rock shaft 85. The upper end of the lever 88 is adapted to be engaged by the end of the container as it reaches the outlet end of the drying chamber and through the connections just described such engagement by the container will'automatically disengage the latch member 84 and thereby release the outlet door,70 to the influence of weights 71 for opening the same so as to permit d-ischarge'of the $iptainer which has arrived at this point. tainer just described, serves also to stop the operation of the sprocket chain 12 bymeans of the pin '89 carried by the cross arm or shaft 90 upon the lower end of the lever 8.8. The pin 89 engages the switch 91. of the electric control system and thereby opens the circuit through the motor 22. By temporarily stopping the chain 12, the containers e engagement of the lever 88 by the'conare prevented from jamming together at the discharge end. At the same time the-contact pin 89 serves also to close the switch 92 which closes the circuit through and sets 5 container through the outlet. open ng; The

'contactmembers 91 and 92'are operated'eonjointly by virtue ofthe link 94."' The elec-' tric motor 93 has driving'connectio-n through with the crank tion 97 serves to rock. the arm-98 which is suitably mounted at-the point 99. The free end of the-rockarm 98 extends beneath the position of the container just inside of the outlet opening and is adapted upon oper- ,ation of the motor 93 to rotate in a clockwise direction as illustrated in Fig. 15 so as to remove the container from the rotatable members 3 .and to discharge the sameout through the outlet opening which has a1r ready been opened by automatic raisin'g off the door 70. Just prior however, to the discharge of the container by the rock arm 98, the closure of the container is automatica-lly unlocked, preliminary to the empty'ng of'the container upon being: discharged from the drying chamber. Each container is pro vided' with a closure 100. Securedupon the outer marginal portion of the closure 100 is a bracket 102 between which and the closure itself there is mounted the pin 103 about which extends the leaf spring 104. v One end of this leaf spring is, securedto the bracket loo 102 while its free end is adapted to engage the latch 106 which in turn is pivotally mounted upon the pin 103. The bracket 102 is provided also with a tubular or socket portion 107 which contains a coil spring 108 and which is adapted to receive one end port on of a pin 109 abutting against the spring 108. lVhen the door 100 is closed with sufiicient force, the pin 109 engages the stop member 110 secured on the inside of'the container so as to force the pin 109 against the tension of the spring 108, the pin and slot indicated at 111 permitting and limiting the movement of the pin 109. Such movement of the pin serves to bring the slit or cut-out portion 109" of the pin 109 into opposite registering relation with the latch member 106 so .as to receive the same as the latch is forced into engagement therewith by means of the spring 104. At the same time the latch member 106 which has passed through the opening 112 is moved to locking engagement with the wall of the opening 112 and thereby ma'ntains the closure 100 in locked position. The release of the latch 106 so as to permit the closure 100 to open, is

effected by engagement of the pin 105 with the stop projection 113 provided upon the end wall of the drying chamber as'the container arrives at such position of engagement during its rotation and advancement along the rotary members3. This posit'on is illustrated in Fig. 15 and shows the latch mechanism of the closure occupying position at the top of the container. Such engagement of the pin 105 with the step 113. withdraws the latch 106 from its slot 109 so as to permit the pin .109 to be forced by means of the spring 108 outwardlyand thereby permit the-sloti109 to move out of registering relation with the latch memher 106. At the same time the latch member 106 is moved to a position 111 registry with the opening 112 so as to permit the closure 100 to swing to open position. As the container is d'scharged through the outlet in' the manner above described, the pin 105 will of course leave the stop 113, but the engagement of the roller 114 with the outer face of the closure 100 will prevent the same from accidentally swinging open while the container is being rolledout-throu'gh the outlet. The roller 114 is mounted upon the bracket 115 secured upon the inner face of the end wall of the drying chamber, as illustrated in Fig. 21. As soon as the container which is being discharged through the outlet no longer engages the lever arm 88, such lever is no longer effective in maintaining the circuit closed through the discharge motor 93. The circuitthrough this motor is however, effectively closed-as soon as the container leaves its position upon the rotary members 3 by virtue of the raising movement of the-finger member 98 which is carin Fig. .17. Thus the container is continued to be discharged by operation of the arm- 98 from motor 93 even after the container' no longer engages the lever arm 88. Continued operation of the discharge motor 93 will, because of the mechanism shown in Fi 15, cause the arm 98 to rock backward to its original lowered position shown in Fig. 15 after having completed the discharge operation for removing the container from the drying chamber. By this time another containeris ready to occupy position at the outlet end of the rotary members 3 and above the rock arm 98 and thereby maintain the switch 98 open until this next container is removed in the same manner just now described. The switch 98 is of course opened as soon as the rock arm 98 returns to its idle position illustrated in Fig. 15 by virtue of the depression of the switch by the finger member 98. The rock arm may be operated by means of the lever handle 99 which has operative connection with the shaft 99.

Suitably mounted upon the shaft 99 of the rock arm 98 there is provided the finger 116 which is adapted for engagement with the nut 117 on the rod 118 for the purpose of actuating the snap switch 119 which is in the circuit of the door motor 79. That is, rocking movement of the arm 98 for removing the container will cause the switch 119 to be snapped closed by means of the mechanism. just now described so as to put into operation the door motor 7 9 for closing the outlet door has been discharged through the outlet. The snap switch 119 when moved to this position will engage the contact 121 and will continue to occupy such position until the.door has been completely closed. Closing of this circuit through the motor 79 by means of the contacts 119, 121 will first of all energize the solenoid 82 for the purpose otthrowing in the clutch so as to operate the pinion 76 when the motor 79 is started. When the door has been lowered to fully closed position the projection 123 carried upon the inner face of the lower part of the door strikes the upwardly extending arm 12 1 which extends through a guide 125 and which at itslower end is connected with one end of the bell crank lever 126. The other end of the lever 126 is adapted for engagement with the shoulder portion 127 of the rod 118 to snap the switch 119 out of engagement with the contact 121 and thereby out out the door motor 79." Thus as soon as the container has been fully discharged through the outlet, the outlet door is automatically closed. I

The containers as they are. discharged through the outlet of the drying chamber are received upon the-rotatable and tiltable table 128 carried upon the turret 129 which I by means of the cross member 133 and are in turn is mounted with the ball bearing 130 upon the pedestal 131. Upon the table 128 there are provided vthe tracks 132 for engagement by the end'hoops or bands of The container. The tracks'132 are connected lower position as illustrated in Fig. 11 and is therefore in proper position for tilting of the table with the container thereon for discharging the contents therefrom into a truck basket or the like. The container as it occupies such position upon the table 128 is effective in closing the switch 135 which is included in the circuit of the motor 136. This motor 136 is eflective for'performing the tilting and rotating movements of the table 128 in the manner now to be described. The switch 135 is normally opened by means of the spring 137 so as to cut out the motor 136 upon removal of the container from the table 128. p

The motor 136 is supported upon a bracket which is suitably carried by the turret 129. This motor drives the worm 138 which meshes with and drives the gear 139. Mounted raise the tracks 132 and thereby remove the container from the table, as will later appear. Mounted upon the shaft 140 is another cam member 141 which is adapted to engage with the roller 146 carried. by the upwardly extending rod 147 which has op-' erative connection with the yoke arm 148 of the clutch member 149. The springvv 149 normally forces the yoke member 148 to neutral position but upon actuation of the cam mechanism just described the clutch member 149 is moved to either upper. or lower position according to the position of the cam member 141. The clutch member 149 is adapted to elfect driving connection be tween the gear 150 and one or the other of the bevel pinions 153,154through the intermediate bevel gear 155. The bevel pinions 153, 154 are loosely mounted upon the stub shaft 15,5 which carries at its lower end the pinion 156' which in turn meshes with the rack segment 157 on the base portion 131. The gears above described. are suitably mounted 1n housings provided upon and carried by the turret so that upon actuation of the pinion 156 in either direction by op- &

eration of eithenof. the bevel pinions 153 T and 154 the turret is rotated in either one direction or the other for a purpose to be described Fixed upon shaft 140is another gear 158 which drives gear 159 upon the shaft of which-is carried the cam 160 for. operation of roller 161- on. the lower end of rod 162. The, roller 163 on the upper end of rod. 162 is adaptedto-engage the. inclined face of abutment 164 on the under side of the table 128.; Such engagement of the roller 163 will-serve to maintain the table 128 in horizontal position as illustrated in Fig.- 13, but when-the cam is rotated to occupy-the position illustrated in Fig. 12 so as. to no longer "support" the table 128, it is permitted to be automaticalh lowered by means ofthe weight165 provided upon the table 128. Thus the'tabl'e is tilted about its pivot point 166 andthe .door 100 automatically swings open so as to permit discharge of the contents ofthe container. f

The mechanism just now described 15; so constructed and arranged that, upon starting of the motor136inthe manner already explained, the container is tilted so as to discharge the material therefrom and 1s then raised to horizontal positionywhereupon the clutch-149 is automatically. engaged so as to efiect rotaryi movement of the table through preparatory to rolling the container off of the table-and on to the auxiliary'tracks 169 which are provided along the outside of the drying chamber andinear the outlet end thereof. These trao'ks'are'a little lower than the main-tracksl'IO which ezi'tend'along the outside ofjthe" drvi rg chamber to the inlet opening for the" purpose off' returning the emptycontainers'to the inlet or feed section. As soon as'the table has been rotated through. 90? and the container removed to a the auxiliary tracks 169, the table is returned to its originalposition by automatic shifting ofthe clutch-149 to its reverse position so as tojrot-atetheturret with'the table in the opposite direction-.-., Thecluteh will then return to neutral position. As the container is discharged from the. table the switch 135 is automatically opened because the container no long'er'mainta-ins it closed;

but rotary movement ofithe table will serve motor 136. This is clearly illustrated in Figs. 17 and 1.8-. This. circuit, however,

is not fully completed until the container has been rolled on to the auxiliary tracks so as to close the switch 17 3 which is normally maintained open by the spring 174. Clos ing of the switches will complete the circuit through the .motor 136 so as to :permit operation thereof for return rotary movement of the table in the manner just now referred to. Then upon the table reaching its idle return position as illustrated in Fig. 6, the circuit through the motor 136 is automatically broken by engagement of the plunger rod 172 'with the abutment 175 carried on the wall of the drying chamber. Thus upon return of the table to idle position the motor 136 is automatically cut out and will stand idle until vagain actuated by closing of the circuit through the engagement of the switch member 135 by means of another container being rolled on tothe table.

Any container which might occupy position upon the auxiliary tracks 169 at the time when the container is about to be discharged from the outlet end of the drying chamber, will be automatically removed therefrom and advanced to position upon the main tracks 170 by means of the rock arm 176 pivoted at the point 177 and operated by means of the rod 178 connected at its other end to the crank arm 179. This crank arm is operated through the pin and slot connection 180 from another crank arm 181 which is mounted upon the shaft of the bevel pinion 182 meshing with the bevel pinion 183. The bevel pinion 183 is mounted upon the shaft of the discharge motor 93 which operates the rock arm 98. Thus it will be seen that as the container is removed through the outlet of the drying chamber, the arm 176 is operated automatically to remove any other container from the auxiliary tracks 169 so as not to interfere with the removal and transfer of the succeeding containers. The rock arm may also be operated by means of the treadle 180 which is adapted to actuate the crank arm 179.

The tracks 170 are adapted to discharge the containers as they are rolled therealong on to the feed table 184 which occupies position just outside of the inlet to the drying chamber. This table is mounted uponthe turret which has the ball bearing 185 upon the pedestal 186 and is adapted to be rotated by the operator through 90 and roll the empty containers through the inlet opening on to the rotary members 3 after having been filled with materials for the drying operation. .The depending column 187 of the turretis provided with suitable slots 188 for engagement by the lock pin 189 which is operated from the bell crank lever 190.

.This bell crank lever which 1s supported upon the bracket'191 of the pedestal is connected at its other end to the lever arm 192 which in turn is con ected t the t eadle 193. The look pin 189 is normally maintained in looking engagement by means of the spring 194 but can be released upon depression ofthe treadle to permit rotation of the turret. The treadle 195 which is located in close proximity to the treadle 193 has its rear end 196under the lever arm 197 which has operative connection with lever 198. The lever 198 is connected. by means of the rod 199 with a depending arm 200 which is rockably mounted at the point 201 upon the underside of the main tracks 170. The arms 202 and 203 extend from the shaft 201 and together constitute a means of releasing and discharging the foremost container from the main tracks on to the feed table 184 and at the same time to prevent escape of the next container. In the position illustrated in Fig. 1 thearm 203 maintains the foremost container against accidental removal but upon depression of the'treadle 195 the arm 203 is removed from the path of the foremost container so as to permit the same to roll on to the table 184. At the same time the arm 102 is raised so as to engage the foremost container and thereby propetthe same in its forward movement on to the table. The arm 2-02 at the same time intercepts the next container which upon release of the treadle 195 is caught and held by the arm 203 which returns to its raised position. The treadle 195 is automatically held in position indicated in Fig. 1 by virtue of the spring 204. The tracks 170 are preferably slightly inclined toward the feed end of the apparatus so that the empty container will roll along the same to the position illustrated'in Fig. 1. As acontainer is deposited upon the feed table, the inlet door will be automatically unlocked and opened to permit the refilled container to bereturnd to the drying chamber.

Thusit will be seen that I have provided an apparatus in which the empty containers as they are received upon the feed table 184, may be filled with materials and fed through the inlet opening on to the rotary members 3. The containers are then,conveyed endwise, while being rotated. through the drying chamber which is subjected to the continuous supply of heated air, and the containers are finallv transferred to the discharge end of the chamber. From this point they are automatically removed through the outlet and placed upon the rotary table. Then each container is auto matically tilted, the closure of the same having been automatically unlocked and the container turned to such position as to facilitate the discharging of the contents therefrom by tilting. After emptying each container. the rotary table is automatically turned through 90 and the empty container s automatically transferred to the augiliary inlet and outlet doors are-automatically op erated', as likewise are the several motors in their several operations according'tothe several steps as heretofore outlined. As a result, this apparatus is capable of extremecapacity and requires the attention of only a single operator at the feed end. Further more, by virtue of the individual air-circulating means for each section, the materials are subjected to an effective drying influence throughout the entire length of the dr 'ing chamber; and the entrance of more or less fresh air maintains the tion for drying.

\Vhat I claim is:

1. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, means for conveying materials through said'chamber, and other means for automatically discharging the materials from said outlet. A

2. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, closures for said inlet and outlet, and means for conveying materials from said inlet to said outlet and having means operatively connected therewith for controlling one of said closures.

3. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying the containers from said inlet to said outlet, and means for automatically discharging the materials from the containers after arrival at the said outlet and returning said containers to said inlet.

4. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying the oontainers from said inlet to said outlet, and

air in proper condimeans for automatically discharging the materials from the containers after arrival at the said outlet and rolling said containers back to said inlet.

5. In an apparatus of the class described,

a chamber having an, inlet and' anout-letopening, removable cyhn drical containers for batches of materials, means for conveying the containers lengthwise from said in let to said outlet, means for automatically discharging the materials from the containers after arrival at said outlet, and means for turning said containers through air-angle of approximately 90 degrees and rolling the same back to said inlet. K

6. In an apparatus of the class described, a ham e ha g n in et an 'a o t et The 1 opening, means for heating the chamber,

containers for batches of materials, means including an endless traveling member for conveying the containers from said inlet to said outlet, closures'for said inlet and outlet openings, and means controlled by said endless member for automatically controlling one of said closures.

I 7. In an apparatus of the class described, I

a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, containers for batches of'materials, means for conveying the. containers from said inlet to said outlet, closures for said inlet and outlet openings, and'mea'ns other than said containers and controlled in step with movement of the containers for con: trolling operation of one of saidclosures.

8. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, containers for'batches of materials, means for conveying the containers from said inlet to said outlet, and means controlled by movement of said containers for controlling said conveying means.

9. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet .and an outlet opening, containers for batches of materials, means for conveying the containers from said inlet to said outlet, and means for automatically stopping said conveying means upon arrival of a container at said outlet.

10. In an apparatus ofthe class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, and means actuated by arrival of a container at said outlet for automatically discharging the same from said conveyin means.

11. In an apparatus of theclass described, achamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, means for heating the chamber,- removable" containers for batches of materials, inclined means for conveying said con tainers from said inlet to said outlet, a closure. foreacli of said containers at the forward end "thereof, means for releasably securing-said closurein, closed position,- means 1 for automatically releasing said closure upon. arrival of the container at said 1 outletfnieans for discharging said containers from said conveying means, and means for maintaining the closure of each container closed after being unlocked during; the discharge of said container from said conveying means.

112. In an apparatus of the a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, containers for batches of materials,

means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, a closure for each of said class described,

containers, means for releasably locking said closure, means .for automatlcally unlocking said closure upon arrival-otthe container at said outlet, and means for maintaining said closure closed after beingunlocked and until'said container is removed from said said chamber, means for discharging said containers from said chamber and conveying them .to a discharge point for the mathe'closures of said containers closed after means after initiation of the discharging being unlocked until said containers reach the point of discharge for the materials.

14. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an nlet. and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, means for discharging said containers through said outlet, means for automatically efi'ecting actuation of said discharging ,means upon arrival of a container at the outlet end ofsaid chamber so as to initiate the discharging operation, and automatic means for maintaining actuation of said discharging operation. p

15. In'an apparatus of the class described,

a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers tor batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, means for dtcharging said containers through said outlet, means controlled by conveying move ment of said containers for automatically eftecting actuation of said discharging means so as to initiate the discharging operation, and means automatically controlled by the initial discharging movement of said containers for maintaining actuation of said discharging means after initiation of the discharging operation.

16. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, means for discharging said containers through said outlet, and means for automatically efiecting and discontinuing actuation of said dis? charging means.

17. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, a door for said outlet. means for opening the same, means for discharging said containers through said outlet, and means controlled by said discharging means for automatically closing said door.

18. In an apparatus of the class described,

a'chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removablecontamers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inletto said outlet, 9. door means for automatically actuating said motor for closing the door, and means controlled by closing movement of the door for automatically cutting out said motor. terials therein and means for maintainin achamber having an inletand an outlet 19. In'an a aratus of the class described opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, a door for'said outlet, means for releasably locking said door closed, and means'for automatically releasing and opening said door upon arrival of a container at the outlet end'of said chamber.

20. In an apparatus of the class describet, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for. conveying said containers from said inlet-to said outlet, a door for said outlet, means for releasably locking said door closed, means for discharging the a container at the outlet end of said chamber.

, 22 In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containors for batches of materials, means for conveying said (ontainers from said inlet to said outlet, at door for said outlet, means'lor releasably locking said door, means for discharging the containers through said outlet, and means for simultaneously stopping said conveying means, unlocking said door and actuating said discharge means upon the arrival of a container at the outlet end of. said chamber. 23. In anapparatus of the class described, a. chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, a door for said inlet, means for. releasably locking said door, and means for automatically opening said door.

24. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches ,of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, a door for said inlet. means for releasably locking said door, and means for automatically opening said door at predetermined intervals.

In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, a door for said inlet, means for releasably locking said door, and means controlled by said conveying means for opening said door.

26. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, and cushioning means at the inlet end of said chamber for engagement by the containers as they are fed into said chamber so as to ensure proper positioning of thesame with respect to the conveying means.

27. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, and spring controlled lever arms at the inlet end of said chamber for engagement by the containers as they are fed into said chamber so as to ensure proper positioning of the same with respect to the conveying means.

28. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches and means for rotating sald members.

{of materials, means for conveying said con tainers end-Wise through said chamber from said inlet to said outlet, means for rolling containers to said inlet, and means for turning the containers through approximately ninety degrees at the inlet end preparatory to entering the chamber to be conveyed therethrough.

29. "In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers end-wise through said chambers from said inlet to said outlet, means for rolling said containers from said outlet to said inlet, and means for turning the said containers through approximately ninety degreesat the inlet end preparatory to entering said chamber to be conveyed therethrough.

30. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying'said containers end-wise through said chamberfrom an outlet, means for securing said sections together to form a drying chamber, means for conveying materials through said chamber'from said inlet to said outlet, and means for heating said drying chamber.

7 32. Drying apparatus comprising a plurality of drying chamber sections, one of said sections being provided with an inlet, A

another of said sections being provided with an outlet, means for securing said sections together to form a drying chamber, means for conveying materials through said chamber from said inlet to said outlet, and individual means associated with each of said drying chamber sections for forcing heated air therethrough. Y

33. An apparatus of the class described comprising a plurality of chamber sections, one of said sections being provided with an inlet, another of said sections being provided with an outlet, means for securing said sections together to form a chamber, means for conveying materials through said chamber from said inlet to said outlet, said conveying means including a plurality of rotatable members extending longitudinally through 35L. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber-having an inlet and an outlet opening, means for heating the chamber, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying said containers through said chamber and for automatically discharging said containers through said outlet, a main return track for conveying said containers back to said inlet, an auxiliary track for receiving the containers after being discharged and preliminary to travel along said main track, and means for automatically advancing one container from said auxiliary track to said main track as another container is discharged through said outlet. 1 y

35. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches conveying means, and means for automati cally emptying. said containers.

said inlet to said outlet, means for rolling 36, In an apparatus of the class described, v

a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying the containers through said chamber andfor automatically discharging the same through said outlet, and means for automatically emptying said containers, said emptying means including a tiltable support upon which the cluding a rotatable and tiltable support upon which vthe containers are received.

38. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber-having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying the containers through said chamber and for auto matically discharging the same through said outlet, means for automatically emptying said containers, said emptying means including arotatable and tiltable support upon which the containers are received, and cam means for effecting the tilting movement.

- 39. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying the containers through said chamber and for automatically discharging the same through said outlet, means for automatically emptying said containers, said emptying means 1ncluding a support normally tending towards tilting position, means for maintaining said support 1n upright position, and means for automatically releasing said maintaining means, so as to permit the container to be emptied. a

' 40. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batchesof materials, means for conveying the containers through said chamber and for automatically discharging the same through said outlet, means for automatically emptying said containers, said emptying means includ ing a rotatable and tiltable support upon which the containers are received, means for automatically tilting said support so as.

to empty the containers and automatically returning the support to upright position, and means for rotating the support for removal'of the containers therefrom.

41. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of'materials, means for conveying the containers through said chamber and for automatically discharging the same through said outlet, means for automatically emptying said containers, said emptying means including a. tiltable support and engaging means thereon for receiving and supporting said containers during the tilting operation, and means for automatically tilting said support so as to empty the container.

42. In an apparatus of the class described, a chamberhaving an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying the containers through said chamber and for automatically discharging the same through said outlet, means for automatically emptying said containers, said emptying means including a tiltable support and engaging means thereon for receiving and supporting said containers during the tilting operation, means for tilting said support so as to empty the containers, said engaging means being adapted for raising movement so as to remove the containers from said support, and means formanipulating said engaging means.

43. In anapparatus of the class described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for conveying the containers through said chamber and for automatically discharging the same through said outlet, a rotatable and tiltable support for receiving the containers from said outlet, means for tilting the support so as to empty the containers, means for rotating said support, means for removing the containers from said support, and automatic means for operating said tilting, rotating and removing means in predetermined sequence.

44. In an apparatus of the class'described, a chamber having an inlet and an outlet opening, removable containers for batches of materials, means for rotating and conveying said containers from said inlet to said outlet, said containers having each a discharge opening, means for removing the containers through said outlet and emptying the same, and means for ensuring proper position of the containers for the emptying operation.

45. Drying apparatus, comprising a plurality of drying chamber sections having an inlet portion and an outlet end portion, means for conveying materials through said chamber sections, means for heating the dryingchamber Within said sections, and means for cooling the section leaving said outlet end portion so as to permit handling of the materials by the operator.

In testimony whereof I hereby affix my signature.

EMIL J. CARROLL.

v hiCertificate of Correction.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,572,183, granted February 9, 1926, upon the application of Emil J. Carroll, of Norwood, Ohio, for an improvement in Drying Machines, errors appear in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 7, lines 66 and 107 claims 6 and 11, and page 9, line 108, claim 34, strike out the words and comma means for heating the chamber,;

page 10, line 120, claim 45, for the Word leaving read having; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may I conform to the record of the case in the Patent Ofiice.

Signed and sealed this 16th iiayof March, A. D. 1926.

[Sm] i M. JgMOORE,

Acting Uonm'zz'ssioner of Patents. I 

